Cleveland Browns: Andre Dillard at No. 17 says Daniel Jeremiah
By Randy Gurzi
Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network released his first mock draft and he has Washington State offensive tackle Andre Dillard going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 17
Between now and the 2019 NFL Draft, which begins April 25, there will be plenty of different mock drafts available. One of the most well-respected media members to release those mocks is Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, who has the Cleveland Browns going a familiar route, even if it isn’t a familiar name.
Jeremiah released his first Mock Draft earlier this week and while many of the usual suspects made the top 32 selections, he had a couple of head-scratchers including the Browns taking Andre Dillard out of Washington State at No. 17.
What makes that selection surprising isn’t the position, but the player. Many expect the Browns to add a left tackle this offseason and Jeremiah’s reasoning for grabbing Dillard makes perfect sense.
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"“I believe Dillard is the top left tackle prospect in the draft and his pass-protecting prowess is just what Baker Mayfield needs.” — Jeremiah, NFL.com"
The Browns would be wise to get a left tackle to grow alongside Mayfield. Now that they have their franchise quarterback, the next two priorities need to be a solid blindside protector and then a go-to receiver.
The head-scratching part comes from this possibly being the first time someone has mocked Dillard in the first round. He’s seen by some, like Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network, as a project player who could be developed into a starter down the road.
That’s a far cry from Jeremiah’s claim that he is the top prospect at left tackle. Having said that, there is plenty of time from now until the draft for Dillard to make an impression and climb up boards.
Next. In-depth look at Cleveland’s mystery man, Emmanuel Ogbah. dark
In the end, Jeremiah could be right and Dillard could become a legitimate left tackle option for the Browns. If anything, he’s a name to keep an eye on.